Effect of hypertension on muscle strength, balance, and mobility in older adults

Abstract

Purpose: Hypertension (HT) can exacerbate impaired blood pressure regulation and thus increase the risk of falls. The higher incidence of HT and impaired balance in older adults may lead to the hypothesis of an association between HT and physical function in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HT on muscle strength, balance, and mobility in older adults and the relationship between them. Methods: Sixty-one older adults were included in the study and individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg formed the Hypertensive group (n=31), while the others formed the Normotensive group (n=30). Quadriceps Femoris (QF) muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer, mobility was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), balance performance was evaluated with the Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board (NWBB), and physiological age was evaluated with Wii Fit Age (WFA). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before the balance test. Results: TUG and NWBB scores between groups were significantly better in the Normotensive group (p<0.05). In both Hypertensive and Normotensive groups, there was a negative correlation between QF muscle strength and TUG score, and a positive correlation between QF muscle strength and NWBB score (p<0.05). Conclusion: HT may worsen mobility and balance in older adults. Further studies are required to better understand HT and establish better appropriate interventions for older hypertensive adults.